Harvest Community Foods Welcomes Winter with New Seasonal Initiatives

Historic Chinatown’s premier one-stop gourmet grocer and restaurant is celebrating the arrival of winter with an array of seasonal culinary delights. A cozy escape from the new-found chilly weather, Harvest Community Foods specializes in nourishing meals and locally-sourced ingredients, providing fine food products for the most discerning of epicureans alongside comforting rice and noodle bowls.

As one of the best destinations in the city to load up on farm-fresh fare for a favourite holiday feast, Harvest offers year-round community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes that are stocked with a rotating selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables. All produce is sourced from Lower Mainland farms and growers, with each box providing everything needed for crafting nutritious side dishes for indulgent, festive meals. In-season greens like kale and Brussels sprouts make healthy, flavour-packed additions to roast turkey or ham, while starchy selections like potatoes and winter squashes allow for heartier accompaniments. CSA boxes also include goodies from artisan suppliers, such as GRAIN‘s farm-direct dry goods and Tempea Natural Foods‘ vegetarian-friendly tempeh. At $35 per unit and portioned for two people, CSA boxes can be enjoyed as a single purchase, for multiple weeks or an entire season, and are available for bi-weekly pick-up.

Harvest’s shelves have been fully stocked this winter with something for every foodie, showcasing house-made jams, preserves and pickles galore – many sporting snazzy new seasonal labels. More winter-appropriate provisions consist of belly-warming Gingerbread Chaga Cocoa by Blume, which has all the benefits of a superfood wrapped up in a cup of vegan, organic hot chocolate; cold-fighting spiced pear or ginger turmeric kombucha made in-house using fresh flavours fit for the holidays; and rotating rice bowls just added to the menu, such as sweet and spicy coconut minced pork curry and nourishing Japanese-inspired oyako donburi (chicken and egg over rice). Also new to Harvest is Luv the Grub, a charitable local supplier that crafts delicious spreads (think pear walnut and chai apple chutneys) using rescued produce surplus, providing occupations for individuals that face barriers to employment.

Just in time for Yuletide celebrations, Harvest is offering two unique choices of bespoke holiday gift baskets. An ideal present for food fanatics, each basket supports local suppliers while simultaneously inspiring recipients to cook using only the freshest in-season ingredients. Whether you are buying for the adventurist gourmand, health guru or ultimate holiday host(ess), holiday gift baskets are chock full of a variety of culinary wonders. Gift-givers may opt for a small or large gift basket; for $45 (plus applicable tax) foodies can revel all Harvest in-house products, including home-made granola, jam, pickles, cocoa nib almond granola, and a gift card for one noodle bowl all packaged in a nifty felt box. Those who desire a full Harvest experience may choose the large gift basket priced at $85 (plus applicable tax, which includes a chocolate bar and chocolate-coated toffee by East Van Roasters, honey and candles by Hives for Humanity, Namaste Tea, BBQ mix by Johnny Hetherington, pancake mix by Treasure Life, and an artisan latte mix by Blume – all packaged together in a festive wood box. To order a holiday gift basket, call 604.682.8851 or email [email protected]. The boxes will be available for pick-up at Harvest now through December, and can be made vegan upon request.

“Our popular CSA boxes and limited-edition holiday gift boxes are specially curated to surprise and delight all food lovers,” says Gabriella Mayer, chef / partner of Harvest Community Foods. “With both options illustrating our dedicated focus on local, small-batch products, these are the perfect gifts for inspiring health-conscious, sustainable cooking and eating – a mission we are proud to stand behind. We can’t wait to share our new seasonal features with our customers in celebration of the holiday season!”

Located at 243 Union Street, Harvest Community Foods is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday from 11am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Over the holidays, Harvest will be closed December 24 to 26 and January 1 to 2, while CSA boxes will skip January 3 pick-up.

For more information, visit Harvestunion.ca. Sign up for the bi-weekly e-newsletter to place a CSA box order and receive a sneak peek at upcoming box selections alongside custom recipes.

About Harvest Community Foods

At its core, Harvest Community Foods is committed to bringing sustainable fare that is equally delicious and health-conscious to the local community. By carrying locally sourced produce, small-batch artisan products and plenty of vegan alternatives, Harvest aims to encourage Vancouverites to cultivate a close connection to the food they eat and the region they call home. The grocery and restaurant’s design achieves the perfect balance between rustic and contemporary, echoing the aesthetic yet approachable vibe of sister eatery Burdock & Co. Warm, welcoming and bustling throughout the day, Harvest is a place to gather and connect – a true cornerstone of the thriving neighbourhood in which it is located. Harvestunion.ca